Zip-lining on Sunday

Zip-lining had to be the very highlight of our trip so far. With 12 different cable runs, a couple as far as a 1/2 mile or so long, it was all very thrilling. Up in the canope we had a bird's eye view of the rain forest as we were swept along with the pajaros. We all were so giddy.

Hasta pronto

Mas fotos

More school and horse-back riding photos

Tree planting and school photos

Mas pura vida - Saturday

Hello all,

Much activity on Saturday. In the morning we visited the local elementary school with our gifts and inthe afternoon we rode horses.

Elementary school visit

Again, parents, thank you for your contributions of papers, pens, markers, crayons, books, etc. The JLS students as well as the other schools with whom we have been travelling were able to donate a huge pile of school supplies that are desperately needed at our local school. (see photos).

When we arrived the children, ranging in age from three to fourteen, greeted us wearing tradional Costa Rican garb. They then treated us to a lively dance performance - they were all so cute! Then they invited us to join in the act. Afterwards, we all played soccer - the little ones really gave us a run for our money.

Then we were back to the hotel, had a quick lunch, changed and got ready for the horse-back riding adventure. As we drove back to the hotel, it started to started to sprikle. As we drove to the stables it was raining steadily. As we walked from the reception area down to where the horses and guides were waiting, it was a veritable downpour complete with thunder claps. We all looked at each other, wondering if we should turn around and head for the bus! But the kids decided to soldier on. (See photos of JLS students stoicly braving the rain)

It ended up being the right decision. As soon as we were on the horses, we were all so excited we didn´t even notice the rain. The horses were well trained and gentle. The guides extremely confident and polite. Yes, it was muddy, and yes, a might have been a bit smelly, but it was certainly an adventure and one were not likely to forget.

¡Pura Vida!! (Friday)

Hello all,

Sorry I haven't had a chance to update the blog in a few days. We've been up in the rain forest and as you can imagine, internet usage is relatively scarce. So, I'll synopsize the last few days for you. In a phrase, its been: pura vida (pure life). Its an expression heard all over Costa Rica - "ticos" (Costa Ricans) say this whenever everything is a-o.k.

Friday - travel day, tree planting and cloud forest hike

Our day began bright and early, on the bus by 7 am to be exact. We had a few hours of travel ahead of us as we traversed from Lake Arenal to Monteverde, the heart of the Costa Rican rain forest. We arrived in the hotel in Monteverde at about noon, had a light lunch, and headed off to our next adventure - tree planting.

At an ecological center we were each given a tree sapling, (see photos) and given instructions. We were to walk about a 1-2 mile up a hill, find an already dug hole and insert our sapling. We were told that within a few years our sapling will have grown into a full tree. The trees, lined together will serve as a natural wind break for the elementary school that is also on the premises.

Of course the ever present rain was with us. As we climbed the hill one formula ran through my mind (muddy track, one hand carrying a sapling, fifty laughing teenagers equals recipe for disaster. If one slips, we all go down. Did anyone say ¨domino effect¨?). But to my great relief we all made it safe and sound. And with smiles on our faces to boot as we had a moment to reflect on the ecological contribution.

Kayaking and a trip to the hot water springs

Thursday, June 18th

Hello all,

Our day began as usual, a light breakfast of fresh fruit and arroz con frijoles. Once packed, we were off to Lake Arenal for two person kayaking.  We got quite the workout as we traversed one side of the five mile lake and back again.  Some of us needed a refresher course on the basics of rowing as some of the "lanchas" (rowing boats) went round and round in circles. But no matter- we made it! :)

Then off to the town of Fortuna and everyone headed right to the heladaria (ice cream shop).  They even had cactus flavor which Alex was brave enough to try.  He declared that it tasted like raspberries.  We picked up a few souvenirs and took a walk through a local park. The Volcano Arenal always a lovely presence in the distance.

Then the hot springs.  Oh, the hot springs.  It was a virtual paradise for those who love to luxuriate in the water.   Called the Baldi Hot Spring resort, they boasted over 30 pools of differing temperatures with two water slides.  There was even one pool that went up to 152 degrees fahrenheit (we avoided that one :) ).  Of course the slides were a hit.

As we drove home we could hear the thunder growing louder.  Rain was definitely on its way. Then back to the hotel for some dinner.  After dinner, John Sternfield (Andrew's dad) showed off his card playing skills and taught a very rapt audience how to play "Texas Hold Em."  While lightening played against the sky, the kids were learning the particularities and strategies of the game.  The big winner of the first round?  Arthur (Ilan, a very, very close second) and our second round?  Andrew.  Way to go guys.  But in the end we were all winners because we learned a new game and were thoroughly entertained.

Hasta pronto!